Some commuters are paying higher transport fares on selected routes despite transport operators suspending a planned 30% fare increase.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other transport operators suspended the proposed adjustment following engagements with the government, with both sides agreeing to monitor fuel price movements before introducing a new fare structure.
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However, some passengers say transport fares have already been increased on several routes without prior notice.
Speaking to JoyNews, one commuter said the fare from Fadama, which previously cost GH¢6, had increased to GH¢7.
Another passenger travelling from Amasaman to Kaneshie said the fare had risen sharply from GH¢10 to GH¢14.
“I realised that from my place at Amasaman to Kaneshie used to be GH¢10. Then when we got into the car this morning, they said it was GH¢14. I didn’t hear any announcement of a fare increment,” the commuter said.
A passenger travelling from Koforidua to Accra also complained about what was described as an unexpected increase and called on the authorities to intervene to prevent commuters from being charged arbitrary fares.
Another passenger travelling from Madina to Spintex said the fare on the route had increased from GH¢11 to GH¢14.
“If the government had increased lorry fares, they should make it known,” the passenger said.
The reported increases come despite transport operators’ earlier decision to suspend the proposed 30% fare adjustment following discussions with the government.
The suspension was intended to allow the transport operators and government to monitor developments in fuel prices before agreeing on a new fare structure.
The apparent fare increases on some routes have raised concerns among commuters, particularly daily public transport users who say even relatively small increases are adding pressure to already stretched household budgets.
For now, transport operators have not announced a new nationwide fare structure following the suspension of the planned 30% adjustment.